FARMERS BRANCH, Texas - Pete Crear is renowned for his lifelong contributions to the credit union movement and several leagues have pledged to carry on his legacy through college scholarships. The Texas Credit Union League has donated $500 to the Pete Crear Scholarship Fund, recently launched by the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC). The Missouri Credit Union Association, through its Missouri Credit Union Foundation, also hopes to encourage college students to consider credit union careers with its $700 contribution. Crear, CUNA & Affiliates' executive vice president/COO has been in the movement for nearly 40 years. "Pete Crear has dedicated his life and passion to the credit union movement," said Troy Stang, TCUL vice president of staff and public relations. "It's such a natural progression for the league to want to not only honor him but to finance a college student's education." Rosie Holub, MCUA president/CEO echoed Stang's sentiments adding that the scholarships "fit with the credit union philosophy of encouraging all people of all ethnic backgrounds to get involved in credit unions." "We're thrilled to see (the leagues) step up to the plate," said Helen Godfrey, AACUC chairperson and president/CEO of Shreveport Federal Credit Union. "It shows the value of the movement, the recognition of Pete and sets the pace for what other leagues might be willing to do." The idea to get the ball rolling on contributions nationwide started with a letter from newly-elected CUNA Chairman and TCUL President/CEO Dick Ensweiler to Barbara Stephens, AACUC's treasurer applauding the Coalition's efforts. "I challenged the AACUC board members to get their leagues involved and it took off from there," said Stephens, who is also president/CEO of Houston Municipal Employees Credit Union. Meeting the challenge didn't take long. The New York State Credit Union League and the Washington Credit Union Foundation donated $1,000 and $500, respectively to the fund. "Pete Crear has been an influential presence in the credit union movement for 40 years," said William Mellin, NYSCUL president/CEO. "A scholarship in his name for college students interning with the African-American Credit Union Coalition, of which we are a member, is a true tribute to his contributions over those years." WCUF's donation aims to help "recipients (who) may one day follow in Mr. Crear's footsteps and become advocates for increased economic opportunity for all," said John Annaloro, president/CEO of the Washington Credit Union League. "Helping young people achieve their goals is an important endeavor that pays dividends for credit unions in the future," Annaloro said. The National Credit Union Foundation and the Michigan State University Credit Union have also donated to the scholarship fund. Scholarship winners will be announced at the AACUC's annual meeting on Aug. 14, 2004 in Atlanta. - [email protected]